Newbie- Need recommendations for limit switches

[smcurry83]

I'm a super noob at everything CNC. The shop I work in bought a Microproto MicroMill DSLS 3000 last year and noone here knows how to use it. It really hasn't been touched since it was installed. It hasn't even been properly configured yet. I DO know how to manipulate the Mach3 software & control the CNC and write code for it.

So they want me to get the thing up and running so we can start putting some use to it. I need to set up some limit/home switches but I have no idea what to look for. Any help and all opinions would be greatly appreciated...

Steven

[X2cnc]

The Mach3 documentation covers the electrical part of the limit switches extensively.

I'm almost finished with the switch bracketry for my X2. It has been an adventure. Fortunately, the machine was completely disassembled. It's likely you'll have to do the same for yours.

You want the switches buried inside the machine, or shielded so that coolant, oil, and chips don't get on them. You want some sort of adjustment to set the exact limits of travel. You want the switches mounted to something that doesn't move, so the wires don't flex. You want the wires run somewhere where they're not in the way and not subject to damage. And you want it all easily accessible for when a switch or wire goes bad. And... I think you get the point. A bunch of "stare engineering" helps.

On my machine, all the X and Y switches are on the saddle and accessible once the table is removed. It was a fair compromise for protection and accessibility.

"Real" limit switches are sealed, reliable, expensive, and bulky. Most mini-mills use "micro" switches from Cherry, Klixon, etc. as a compromise between price, durability, and mounting space.

That said, a great number of people seem to get along just fine with Mach3's software limits.

[fretsman]

X2CNC,

May I ask how you wired your limits so they don't move on the Y axis? Pics possibly?

Thanks so much-
Dave

[X2cnc]

I'll start another thread as soon as I get some pictures.